18 Day Complete Vietnam Experience

Your Holiday 2 Vietnam begins in the bustling city of Hanoi. You will be picked up at the airport by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

MEALS: None

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Hanoi

Early morning pickup at 8:00am to journey through lush Vietnamese countryside to Halong Bay. On arrival we board the traditional junk boat for a memorable cruise among the hundreds of limestone islets of Halong Bay. During the cruise we stop at the ‘Magnificent Cave’ full of stalagmites and stalactites. Tuck in to a yummy seafood lunch and some water based activities such as swimming or kayaking. Spend the night onboard in your comfortable cabin and enjoy the peacefulness of the Bay.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Traditional Junk Boat, Halong Bay

This morning we continue to sail through the majestic landscape of Halong Bay before heading back to shore and continuing back to Hanoi after a buffet lunch. Arrive back in Hanoi at around 5pm have the evening at your own leisure.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Hanoi

Free day in Hanoi to explore at your own leisure. We recommend exploring the old town and try the famous and delicious Hanoi street food. At 7pm you will embark on the night train for your overnight journey to Dong Hoi.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Night Train (4 berth cabin)

OPTIONAL: Hanoi City Tour

Note: City Tour is not available if upgrading to a flight to Dong Hoi

Embark on a full-day exploration of Hanoi, beginning with a convenient hotel pick-up at 8:00 AM. Delve into the rich history of Vietnam with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, discovering the architectural and historical significance of Uncle Ho’s final resting place. Adjacent lies Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol deeply ingrained in Hanoi’s cultural fabric since its establishment by King Ly Thai To in 1049. Traverse to the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake, one of Vietnam’s oldest pagodas, before immersing yourself in the artistry of Bat Trang pottery village (available on Mon, Wed & Fri), with a sumptuous lunch awaiting at a local eatery. In the afternoon, delve into Vietnam’s diverse heritage with visits to the Ethnology Museum (open on Sun, Tue, Thu & Sat), the venerable Literature Temple, and Quoc Tu Giam, the country’s inaugural university established in 1070. Stroll by the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, beholding the serenity of its waters and the allure of Ngoc Son temple. Conclude your journey through Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, offering opportunities for shopping and further exploration, before the tour winds down around 3:30-4:00 PM. Rest overnight in Hanoi, relishing the included amenities such as transportation, an English-speaking guide, lunch, entrance fees, and refreshments.

OPTIONAL: Upgrade from Overnight train to flight

Opt for flying to Dong Hoi, which includes airport transfers. Detailed flight schedules will be provided by local operators.

At 7:00am the train arrives in Dong Hoi where you will be picked up on arrival and transferred to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we start the Phong Nhe Ke Bang tour and take a boat trip along with Son river to visit Phong Nha Cave. As we drift along the river, enjoy the charming natural scenery and witness rural Vietnamese country lifestyle before we arrive at the cave. Phong Nha Cave is the longest cave in Southeast Asia, it comprises of spectacular limestone, underground river systems and the most unique stalactites in the world. We take lunch at a restaurant with local specialties and then in the afternoon, Continue to the Phong Nha Botanical Garden; a beautiful landscape hidden in the jungle with stunning streams and waterfalls. We return to Dong Hoi around 5:00pm for an evening at leisure.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Dong Hoi

After breakfast we depart for ‘Paradise Cave’. Living up to its name, this cave is known as the most beautiful cave in Asia. It was only discovered In 2005 by explorer from British Cave Research Association and boasts excellent beauty and magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. At an altitude of 360m above the sea level, Paradise Cave area’s temperature ranges from 9 – 10 degree celsius. The mouth of Paradise Cave is small, hidden behind the cliffs and trees. Paradise Cave’s heart is divided into several large chambers, the most extensive chamber is over 200m with above 100m high. The cave has been created continuously by nature over 350 million years. After our wonderful cave visit, we have lunch at a local restaurant and then drive to Hue.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Hue

In the morning at 9:00am we set off on a city tour, starting with a boat trip along the peaceful Perfume River to visit Thein Mu Pagoda and the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. In the afternoon, the tour continues with visits to the Imperial Citadel and the Dong Ba Market. The spectacular Citadel houses a series of palaces, ornate halls, libraries and residences. The evening is at your leisure.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Hue

After breakfast we journey 3 hours south to the beautiful historic town of Hoi An. We will arrive around midday so you will have the afternoon free to stroll along the river, barter at the bustling markets or shop for some tailor made outfits. Don’t forget to try the 50c freshly made beer at one of the many restaurants along the river!

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Hoi An

Embark on a memorable journey with our dedicated driver and tour guide as they pick you up from your hotel to kickstart your adventure at Ba Na Hill. As you arrive at the cable car station, feel the exhilaration of being suspended midair, gazing upon the endless canopy of the forest below. Immerse yourself in the pristine ecological wonders of Ba Na Mountain, where each moment promises an unexpected discovery. Explore Le Jardin and the remnants of old wineries, reminiscent of French villas, before continuing to Gare Debay, the second cable car station, which will transport you to the summit of Ba Na. Dive into the excitement at Fantasy Park, the third largest indoor amusement park globally, with access to select free games as per Ba Na’s policy. Indulge in a delightful buffet lunch at the restaurant before ascending to the peak of Chua Mountain, standing proudly at 1,487m above sea level. Take in the breathtaking panoramic vista of Da Nang from the summit of Ba Na Hills and marvel at the iconic Golden Bridge. Conclude your day by returning to the cable car station for a seamless transfer to Hoi An, filled with cherished memories of your Ba Na Hill adventure.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Hoi An

Free day to visit Hoi An Ancient Town, walking along the narrow streets and enjoy Vietnamese food. Alternatively take our optional half day trip to My Son Holy Land.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Hoi An

OPTIONAL: My Son Holy Land

Embark on an enriching journey to the ancient marvels of My Son Holy Land, a full-day excursion beginning with a prompt departure at 8:00 AM. Traverse 40 kilometers to reach this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to the cultural significance of Southeast Asia akin to Bagan in Myanmar and Angkor in Cambodia. Delve into the historical tapestry of My Son, once the spiritual nexus of the Cham people spanning from the 7th to 13th centuries, as you explore its revered archaeological remnants accompanied by an insightful guide. Following the tour, indulge in a satisfying buffet lunch before returning to Hoi An, where the evening awaits you for leisurely pursuits. Revel in included conveniences such as transportation, an English-speaking guide, lunch at a local eatery, entrance fees, and refreshing amenities throughout the excursion.

This morning we will travel by train to the beach town of Nha Trang. Usual train times are 8:50 arriving at 20:20 but this may change due to scheduling.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Nha Trang

Today we have a full day boat trip around the stunning little islands of Nha Trang. First stop is Mun Island, which is home to some of Vietnam’s best dive spots with crystal clear water and an abundance of colourful coral and sea-life. We stop here for a spot of snorkelling. Next, we visit Tam island, well known for its wild tropical forest, long beach and clear water. Spend some time here relaxing or swimming. Then, we visit Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island. Here you will see many species of sea-life that inhabits the Nha Trang ocean. Return to Nha Trang at 4:00pm.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Nha Trang

Today we leave the seaside behind and travel up into the fresh hilly region of Dalat. Travel by private car for approx. 5 hours until we reach the hotel in the pretty French-colonial town. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Dalat

Discover Dalat on a full day city tour today, starting with an 8:30 pick up to Bao Dai Palace, where the last Emperor of Vietnam used to holiday. After lunch visit the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, the largest Zen Monastery in Vietnam, and Tuyan Lam Lake, the nicest lake in Dalat. We enjoy some traditional music played by a Lat Ethnic band before heading back to the hotel.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Dalat

After breakfast and check out you will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide for this city, transferred to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast you will be picked up at 8:30am for an excursion to see the impressive underground Cu Chi Tunnel network. The network was constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the struggle for independence and took 25 years to complete. This incredible structure has living rooms, kitchens, hospitals, weapon factories, storage facilities and a command centre and was an excellent way for the Vietcong to move around the countryside undetected by Americans. Around 10,000 people lived in these tunnels for several years. On this trip you will get an opportunity to go into a section of the tunnels and see the mantraps set by the Vietcong. You will arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City at around 1:00pm to enjoy free time in the afternoon.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

Relax with a full day excursion along the tranquil Mekong River. Pick up from hotel at 8:00am and sit back with a relaxing 2-hour drive to My Tho, passing through lush scenery and green rice paddy fields. Along the way we stop to visit a Cao Dai Temple, which is a unique religion of Vietnam. On arrival into My Tho, we board a boat to cruise along the Mekong. The first stop it Xep Canal where you will feel total escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. We cruise through a small canal lined with tropical coconut trees and stop at a local village to disembark and sample their local produce such as honey tea, honey wine, tropical fruit as well as being treated to a traditional music performance. We then swap the cruise boat for smaller rowing boats to reach the other islet where you will enjoy a special Vietnamese lunch prepared by a local family. In the afternoon return to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the evening at your leisure.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy your final breakfast of this epic Vietnamese journey, before you check out and get transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

MEALS: Breakfast